Seventeen Alabama A&M University students have been honored as recipients of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1890 National Scholars Program, placing them among the 91 distinguished students selected nationwide. The program is a collaboration between the USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, is designed to cultivate the next generation of diverse leaders in the fields of food and agriculture.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program provides comprehensive support to its recipients, including full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Additionally, scholars gain invaluable work experience through USDA internships throughout the year. Eligible students must attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The program is open to high school seniors entering college, as well as rising sophomores and juniors.

Scholars from Alabama A&M will be placed in various USDA agencies and offices, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Research Service, the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rural Development (RD), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

The Alabama A&M USDA 1890 Scholars:

• Hannah Robinson - FSA
• Isiah Taylor - FSA
• Leon Aldridge - NRCS
• Cedric Burrell - NRCS
• Shawn Freeman - NRCS
• Esais Goodwin - NRCS
• Austen Johnson - NRCS
• Elijah McCray - NRCS
• Kendell Robinson - NRCS
• Bria Simmons - NRCS
• Jasmine Wright - NRCS
• Kortney Adkins - RD
• Jason Bledsoe - USFS
• Timari Borum - USFS
• Jahi Bradford - USFS
• Mekhi Miller - USFS
• Danielle Palmore - TBD

The 1890 National Scholars took part in an orientation and a swearing-in ceremony last month at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they were joined by the presidents of several 1890 institutions.

“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is an important pathway for careers in agriculture, nutrition, food, development—and at USDA,” said USDA Director Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Lisa Ramirez. “USDA is committed to fostering a more diverse workforce and to helping students be successful in their studies and in the workforce.”